The pharynx (from the Greek pharugks, throat), is considered to be the crossroads between the airways (from the nasal cavity to the larynx) and the digestive tract (from the oral cavity to the esophagus).

Structure. The pharynx is a muscular and membranous duct subdivided into three segments (1):

• Upper part: The nasopharynx, or nasopharynx, which communicates with the nasal cavities. It is also connected to the ears by the Eustachian tube, or auditory tube.
• Central part: The oropharynx, open towards the oral cavity, extends the nasopharynx and communicates downwards with the laryngopharynx.
• Lower part: The laryngopharynx, or hypopharynx, which connects the larynx and narrows in a funnel-shaped way towards the esophagus.

Presence of tonsils. Known as tonsils, tonsils are involved in the body’s immune defense system. The pharynx contains several pairs of tonsils, the most important of which and visible from the mouth are the palatal tonsils located at the level of the oropharynx, to the right and to the left of the uvula.

Role in swallowing. The action of different muscles in the pharynx ensures the transit of food or fluids ingested from the mouth to the esophagus (2). In order to prevent their passage through the airways, the uvula and epiglottis will respectively close access to the nasal cavities and the larynx.

Respiratory function. The pharynx allows the passage of air between the nasal passages and the larynx.

Role in phonation. The emission of vocal sound is due to the vibration of the vocal cords, located at the level of the larynx. The pharynx, the rib cage, the oral and nasal cavities play a role of amplification and resonance.

Immune defenses. Home to the tonsils, otherwise known as the tonsils, the pharynx plays an essential role in immune defense, at the crossroads of the airways and digestive tracts.

Audition. Connected to the eardrum by the Eustachian tube, the pharynx helps ventilate the middle ear (3).

Sore throat. In the majority of cases, they are of viral origin. These symptoms can be associated with inflammation of the pharynx.

Pharyngite. It refers to the inflammation of the tissues of the pharynx which is manifested by dryness and irritation of the throat. It is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection (4). It can also be non-infectious, caused in particular by exposure to allergens.

Angina. It corresponds to the inflammation of the tonsils. We can speak of red or white angina depending on the appearance and color of the tonsils. It is often caused by a virus. In the case of a bacterial origin, it is caused by streptococcus.

Rhinopharyngite. Inflammation of the nasopharynx is diagnosed if the inflammation of the pharynx also affects the nasal mucous membranes.

Pharyngeal cancer. It is usually associated with throat cancer and can occur at any level of the pharynx or larynx (5).

Medical treatment. An antibiotic may be prescribed for a bacterial infection. Pain relievers may also be advised to relieve pain. Antiallergic treatment may be combined if an allergy is confirmed.

Pharyngectomy. In the most severe cases of cancer, removal of the pharynx may be performed (6).

Radiotherapy. Cancer cells are destroyed by exposure to x-rays6.

Chemotherapy. Medicines can be given to limit the spread of cancer.

Complementary solutions. In prevention or to relieve throat pain, homeopathic or herbal solutions can be used.

Physical examination. In the case of inflammation, observation of the throat (red throat) may be sufficient to establish the diagnosis.

Strep throat rapid test. In order to detect a bacterial infection, the doctor takes a sample from the tonsils by rubbing a swab, a kind of cotton swab. This sample is then immersed in a “test solution” to reveal the presence of streptococcus (7).

Indirect laryngoscopy. It allows you to observe the throat using a small mirror placed at the back of the throat.

Direct laryngoscopy. Using a rigid and flexible tube inserted through the nose, the doctor can visualize the pharynx and larynx. This intervention can also allow a sample to be taken (biopsy) if the examination requires it.

Rhinofibroscopy. Performed under local anesthesia, this examination can allow visualization of the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx.

Panendoscopy. Performed under general anesthesia, this examination allows exploration of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea and esophagus (8).

Hippocrates described the pharynx as the vestibule of the airways and digestive tract (9).